Letters to the editor for Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 7:08 p.m.

A heart-stirring recognition of service

Tuesday morning I attended the Veterans Appreciation Day event that was hosted by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

I am a retired World War II naval aviator, and thought I was a tough old guy who had witnessed firsthand the horrors and the destruction of beautiful cities as a result of the war, but found tears flowing down the sides of both my cheeks when I watched the five ROTC cadets blow out a candle for the "missing man ceremony."

This ceremony was to honor all the men and women who made the supreme sacrifice during all wars to keep our country free. I was not alone, as a Korean War veteran sitting next to me also had to remove his glasses and wipe away tears. I salute ERAU for a job well done, and for the honor they displayed toward the many Volusia County veterans who attended this event.

WILLIAM DREWES

Port Orange

Let flags fly free

As a veteran and a member of Bikers for First Amendment Rights, I question the Holly Hill City Commission's decision to pass an ordinance limiting the number of flags that can be displayed.

We fly these flags because we care about the men and women in our armed forces, then and now.

Today in Afghanistan we have lost more than 2,000 troops. How about World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq? Are these dead and wounded to be forgotten?

Without the troops, the U.S. would not be free. And you can take that to the bank. Fly your flag proudly!

JOE "POPS" CONNOR

Daytona Beach

Give schools realistic flexibility

As an educator for 20-plus years, I commend Florida legislators for their decision to offer options for high school graduation in lieu of "one-size-fits-all-everyone-must-go-to-college" current mandates. These options don't "dumb down" requirements; they offer options and validate students who pursue industry certifications.

Students will not graduate with fewer English, math, science, or social studies credits. Under both bills, students would be required to earn four each in math and English, and three each in science and social studies. However, under current mandates, specific courses are required. Current freshmen will have to pass FCAT reading, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics. Students must take Algebra IA, Algebra IB, Geometry and Algebra II to graduate. Due to the "building" nature of math, one cannot successfully take higher-level math concurrently with lower-level math, so students entering high school without the math skills requisite for Algebra IA cannot graduate in four years.

Under the proposed requirements, Algebra I is still required, but if students do not come to high school ready for it, they could take other math courses to build skills before Algebra I, and graduate in four years. Students who do not plan to enter math-heavy career fields can take math classes that align with their industry certification, making education more relevant than being required to take classes that focus on concepts that even college-degreed professionals do not use.

Critics should read the bills and look at the state standards. Examination shows that the state is not dumbing down education. I have seen hundreds of students who wouldn't be considered "college material" — but are very successful in industries that do not require a college degree. I am thrilled Florida is validating the 60-plus percent of careers that don't require a college degree, by giving all students rigorous, yet flexible, options.

MELLA BAXTER

Palm Coast

Inaction endangers responders

As a 50-year volunteer firefighter, I'm deeply saddened by the loss of life suffered by the first responders in the town of West, Texas.

Since the 1980s, when corporations started lobbying for deregulation, Congress started to purposely underfund the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and, since 2001, the Department of Homeland Security. This underfunding resulted in almost no field inspections. Congressional action has resulted in exactly what the CEOs wanted. The deregulations have resulted in an almost total ignorance of what is in those tanks in that old factory at the end of Main Street and what's in that tanker truck broken down up the corner.

It's an unnecessary risk for the people who protect us every time a fire alarm rings.

GEORGE CLARK

Ormond Beach

The Senate, intimidated

The recent failure by the U.S. Senate to pass the expanded background bill for gun purchasers was a cowardly event. Could it be the majority of senators were afraid to be counted, or were they influenced by the lies and money of the National Rifle Association? (Of which I am a former member.)

I believe the majority of Americans were in favor of the bill. Let's prove that by not re-electing those who voted against it.

D.A. GILLIS

Edgewater

Missing the target

Well, our Department of Homeland Security did a fine job of protecting our innocent Americans and international guests from cowardly terrorists in Boston. This just goes to show how this administration is so moved to restrict guns, magazines and ammo from law-abiding Americans that they let the real bad guys have their day. If I may quote Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel, "You never let a crisis go to waste."

With this recent terrorist attack in Boston, this just goes to prove, along with 9/11, that you don't need a gun to kill or inflict carnage on people. If someone wants to create a crisis, they will find a way to make it happen without a firearm. Wake up, Washington, and do your job of protecting Americans — rather than trying to control law-abiding citizens with your ineffective laws that only erode the Constitution!

BILL HAYDEN

DeLand

Multiple acts of kindness

In the midst of all this tragedy, we would like to take a minute to tell you of the great people here in Ormond Beach. Earlier this month, at the corner of Sanchez and Ridgewood avenues, my mother began choking after taking a drink of lemonade.

I had to get her out of the car to try to help her. There was not a car or truck that went by that did not stop to offer help! One woman, trained in CPR, stayed with us until my mother was fine.

We would like to express our appreciation for all the help we were offered. Thanks so much to all of these wonderful people.

SUSAN MEAD and VALERIE MCGINNIS

Ormond Beach

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